Conservation at the British Library is critical to preserve the collection for present and future generations. Every year our dedicated team of conservators treat over 1,500 items. Books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, stamps and works of art on paper all receive our care. By adopting a book today, your donation directly supports the work of our conservators and helps us keep British Library books on the shelves.

Featured book

The Quiver of Love, 1880

A lovely choice for Valentine's Day, this is a beautiful collection of Valentine poetry, both ancient and modern.

Make a lasting contribution to our conservation work with a bespoke adoption

Remember a loved one or celebrate a special occasion with a bespoke adoption. A bespoke adoption allows you to choose your preferred title from across the Library's collection - you are not limited to the titles in our booklist.

For donations of £150 to £1,000 we offer

A choice of titles from across our collection

A personalised certificate sent in the post

An invitation to our ‘Meet the Conservators’ event.

For donations of £1,000 and above we offer the above benefits and

A customised bookplate placed inside the conservation box which houses your item, for the lifetime of the box

A special tour of our Conservation Centre

A tour for two of the British Library

Acknowledgment in our Annual Report and Adopt a Book Donors’ Board in the Conservation Centre.

To make a bespoke adoption contact the development team who can help with ideas at T +44 (0)20 7412 7205 or adoptabook@bl.uk.

Our collection is extensive and covers: Art and Architecture, Business, Finance and Law, Children's Books, Food and Drink, Gardening, Geography, History and Politics, Literature, Music and Dance, Natural History, Religion and Philosophy, Science and Medicine, Sports and Pastimes.

All funds raised are used to support the work of our conservators (at the discretion of the Library). Donations only support conservation of a particular item where this has been agreed.